Green pea and mint salad

A green pea and mint salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of peas with the cool, aromatic flavor of mint. It’s a great side dish for summer or a light, healthy lunch. Here’s a simple recipe for this salad:

Green Pea and Mint Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peas:

   • If using frozen peas, cook them according to the package instructions. For fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender but still bright green. Then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.

2. Prepare the Mint and Other Ingredients:

   • Finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
   • Thinly slice the red onion if using.
   • If using feta or goat cheese, crumble it into small pieces.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the green peas, chopped mint, and red onion (if using).
   • If using, add the crumbled cheese and toasted nuts.

5. Dress and Toss:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

This salad is a great complement to grilled meats, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a light and nutritious meal.